Karanavar – A term used in old joint families quite often

Karanavar is the senior-most uncle of joint families of yesterdays who followed matrilineal system, also known as Marumakka Thaayam. It’s mostly used in higher castes of the society, most preferably among aristocratic Nair families. Addressed in honorific plural Karanavar (plural of Karanavan), Karanavars used to be the most powerful person of joint families. They ruled the whole family, and keep account of all financial accounts of the family as well.

Mother’s eldest brother is given the title – Karanavar

Many old families (Tharavadu) followed Marumakka Thaayam, where whole power and property pass to next generation through female heirs. Tharavaattu Mooppan, literally means the eldest brother of the family (mother’s eldest brother) is assigned the power, Karanavar. Like a raja who rules his country, Karanavar too takes control of everything inside his home, and also took major decisions. All the family members respected him, and carried forward his decisions.

Only the Karanavar is assigned the power to handle the ancestral property. Not only that, this power was supported by laws also. The ancestral property passed only through female heirs, and male members don’t have any authority over it. Though Karanavar holds the power to look after the ancestral property, he doesn’t own anything, and can’t sell it too. But he holds the power to give the land in lease or put it to a loan.

It’s Karanavar’s duty to protect and conserve ancestral property

Karanavar did the role of a trustee in a family. He keeps account of everything, but was not able to sell the property. But he doesn’t need to show the accounts to other family members. In the case of any land or property dispute, Karavar need to look after all the legal issues. As per law, each and every family member had the right to enjoy the profit from ancestral property, and protection as well. Though Karanavar is the supreme authority, if he does anything wrong, for instance: bad rule, theft or anything like that, other members of the family have the right to use legal path, and raise against him.  

Now also, though Marumakkathaayam doesn’t exist, senior most male of a joint family is still addressed as Karanavar. They used to be very strict, yet they always stood for the betterment of the family and was a well-wisher of all its members. In short, he dedicated his whole life for them. 

Also read about: Nilavara of ancestral homes.